Cordarrelle Patterson has seen a steep fall from grace since getting drafted in the first round by the Minnesota Vikings. The receiver had plenty of hype surrounding him after a breakout senior season with the Tennessee Volunteers, but he has failed to live up to expectations in the NFL. While the Vikings remained hopeful that Patterson could turn the corner in 2015, a trade might be the best thing for both sides as interest comes in.
Big moves rarely happen at the mid-season trade deadline in the NFL, but Patterson could change that. According to Benjamin Allbright of FOX Sports, multiple teams are interested in trading for Patterson. It would seem that teams are still buying into the hype around Patterson and not reading into what he has done lately. So far in four weeks the receiver has two catches for 10 yards. Last year he was criticized for not working hard enough and not knowing the playbook. Now he is merely a reserve while Charles Johnson, Mike Wallace and Jarius Wright headline the attack. The Vikings have denied trade interest so far in Patterson, but with Stefon Diggs improving, they might make the move depending on the price.
Patterson is not worth much. The receiver might get Minnesota a late-round draft pick at best. Considering his production on the field, that is about all the team can hope for at the moment. A change of scenery might be what the receiver needs to get going again. He can be a dynamic threat if playing well. Teams could use Patterson as both a receiver and return man, but again will off up very little to get him.
Who could be interested in Patterson? Several teams could use an upgrade at the receiver spot. According to ESPN.com, the Dallas Cowboys were interested in trading for Roddy White. With that not happening, they could aim for Patterson. The Cleveland Browns could use a receiver as both Dwayne Bowe and Brian Hartline struggle. The Baltimore Ravens need to replace Breshad Perriman. The Buffalo Bills are dealing with a Sammy Watkins injury. If available, Patterson could bring in a lot of interest for teams desperate for depth.
It is clear that the Vikings are done with Patterson. Johnson is the favored receiver with Wallace working in with Teddy Bridgewater. Both players have been complimentary of the way Diggs has developed and with Adrian Peterson running the way he is, Patterson is simply just watching the game. Even when injuries were an issue in Week 4, Patterson still barely saw the field. At this point a trade would give the team a slight return on investment.